Mauritian Sugar workers win their struggle for higher wages
15 June 2010
Mauritian sugar workers have won their struggle for higher wages from the sugar bosses represented by the MSPA (Mauritius Sugar Producers Association). The battle was won after unions embarked on a campaign of mobilising the 6000 workers in the sugar industry. The sugar bosses agreed to the CCM's (Commission for Conciliation and Mediation) sugar workers embarked on a well publicised campaign that included preparations for a strike ballot. Had the ballot and the strike gone ahead, it would have led to the total shut down of the sugar industry.
On the 12th of June 2010, the Prime Minister, Dr. N. Ramgoolam, called a press conference wherein he took a firm and positive stand against the attitude of the MSPA and publicly declared that the CCM's recommendation of a 20% increase over three years to be reasonable. The Prime minster also warned the sugar bosses that they would have to bear severe consequences if they did not agree to the recommendation. The leader of the opposition also came out in support of sugar workers.
On the 24th June the MSPA, finally signed an agreement with non agricultural unions in the Joint Negotiating Panel. A separate agreement was concluded with the agricultural union SILU. The agreement provides for the following;
A staggered salary increase as follows:
- As from 1st January 2010 – 11 %
- As from 1st January 2010 – 3 %
- As from 1st January 2011 – 3 %
- As from 1st January 2012 – 3 %
- An ex-gratia compensation of Rs.5,000 to be paid in two equal installments covering period July 2009 to December 2009.
The agreement also provides for increased maternity benefits, sick leave, meal allowance, annual leave and funeral cover.
The agreement with Sugar workers is very significant and is a culmination of a struggle that started in 2008. Sugar workers were (for the first time) very determined to strike. The battle forged unity between workers in the sugar Mills and agricultural workers who plant and harvest sugar.
SILU Declares war against Sugar Employers
14 May 2010
SILU (Sugar Industry Labourers Union), a member of the Southern African Farm Workers network and three other unions have declared a dispute with sugar sector employers over wages and other conditions of employment. The four unions have formed a joint negotiating team and submitted joint demands to the Mauritius Sugar Producers Association (MSPA). The unions, SILU, Union of Artisans of the Sugar Industry (UASI), Artisans & General Workers Union (AGWU) and Organisation of Artisans Unity (OAU) represent the majority of workers within the industry.
Employers pleaded poverty and refused to disclose information on their profitability as provided for in the Section 41 of the Employment Relations Act of 2008. The dispute has now been taken to the Mauritian Commission for Conciliation and Mediation (CCM). Negotiations are currently being facilitated by the CCM.
If unions are not happy with the Commissions recommendation, they can opt for strike action or refer the dispute for aribitration by the Mauritian Employment Relations Tribunal (ERT). The ERT's rulings are binding on both empolyers and unions.
About SILU
The Sugar Industry Labourers’ Union (SILU) was formed in September 1969 as a result of militant struggles and mobilisation by by the militant trade union activists. The struggles were a revolt against the conditions of near slavery suffered by sugar workers. Wages were extremely low, there was no security of employment. The union was finally registered in 1970.
SILU is affiliated to General Trade Unions Federation (GTUF). The Federation is in turn affiliated to the National Trade Unions Confederation which is one of the largest Confederation in Mauritius.
